What’s In a Journey?

April 30, 2018

A ‘Journey’ twists and turns on us;aaaaaaA ‘Journey’ holds the name because of what it is;aaaaaaaaaaaaYet, it is this very uncertainty that makes it valuable!

Back on 12-20-2017, I wrote to you that this blog was a ‘restart’ for Pencil Points and that I would be posting more often then I had been doing.

I continually find that our Journey’s twist and turn. We want & see a straight line from where we are to where we want to go. What we don’t see are all the ups n down’s, turnarounds, roundabouts, cliffs we must climb, and the ponds we must swim. I’m in the middle of all of those, it seems.

I have Networking insight I want to give to you, and find myself not able to get it on the paper and in your inbox. As you may know, I’m an Architect and I have had several critical projects come my way this Winter and Spring—of which I must focus on and spend a lot of time on in order to complete, so it has slowed this blog down.

I write that to you in an attitude of accountability, because I want to write to you in this blog & intend to do so. Yet, I must get the other work done also.

I believe many of you are facing some of the same struggles in your work life also. There are things you want/need to get done yet your work load is such that your time is called for.

I’ve had several people come to me recently and tell me that they have had to give up the volume of networking they had been doing. Several have even told me that they see it hurting the future of their business.

It’s time to be selective in your networking—you know I preach that in The Uncanny Power of the Networking Pencil book. You just can’t possibly be at every networking event that comes across your inbox—no matter how much marketing pressure you’re put under. Examine what you attend and make sure you’re attending the ones that will bring you value.

A young woman was recently directed by a friend of hers to one of my networking events because it is “…different in its approach and feel.” Sharon attended and wrote me later that she “…appreciates the low key, friendly, community feel that it had.” That’s pretty cool, because she went on to say that she got a lot out of the event & knows she will continue to do so.

My events are not for everyone; I know that; however, people are finding that they learn a lot more about the real essence of networking by attending these events, plus they find the anxiety is not present in the room (networking anxiety is the #1 killer of effectiveness at networking groups). So, as you network, I hope you are finding real networking partners that can work for you as much as you want to work for them. At the beginning of Chapter One in the “Networking Pencil” book, I wrote “There is a side of networking that turns us into mere images. I’m sorry, but I’m a “Person,” not an image!” (Page 27)

I live that every day, whether it’s with my clients, a networker, or friends, it’s important to see them as ‘People.’

This blog, “Bob’s Pencil Point’s” is simply to help you remember that life-changing principle during these hectic times of our lives so that you are able to move forward and find the networking partners that you need in your life and business.

I am calling you to join with me in this endeavor and let’s explore networking together. There’s much more to learn about how to be successful at networking than meets the eye.

I also hope you will engage with it on my website and help us all to grow by your engagement and experiences.

See below for a group and a couple of events you may want to be involved with.

Who do you need to connect with? Why them? How do you find them? These and other aspects of who you need to connect to will be explored and discussed.

You’ll gain an understanding on how to set up your Networking Efforts to find these ‘Real’ Networking Partners, and you’ll be able to put it into action right away as you network. Also, you’ll gain some new networking partners as you network at this event.

EVENT ON THE HORIZON: Keep an eye out for the next round of my Networking Extravaganza’s. I’m preparing one in Medina and Canton, Ohio for the Spring/Summer of 2018. Also, preparing for one’s in Akron & Strongsville, Ohio for the the year 2018. There are still some ‘Hosting’ spots open–if you’re interested or would like to know what it means to host, please email me here and I will get you the information.

Hope to see you soon.

ONward, Bob Arnold

—————————————-As an author, networker, and architect, Bob simply believes in and has seen networking make phenomenal changes in people’s lives and businesses. Check out Bob’s story.

ABOUT BOB’S PENCIL POINTS

Bob’s Pencil Points blog is where you will find all things networking–discussions, ideas, news items, events, and other pertinent networking info.

If you’re not a member of “Bob’s Pencil Points” blog, click here to join. Periodic glimpses into the deeper world of networking. One new connection for you is worth more than you can imagine.

December 20, 2017

An Open Letter To The Networker Among Us

As you well know, networking is not something you can put into the hands of just anyone in your business. It suffers from a poor reputation that all there is to it is ‘meeting people.’ Somehow, new customers will just show up on your doorstep if you just go to a networking meeting and meet people.

Networking is an art that has been with us since our earliest days on this earth, both as a person and as a species. It is an art that is both natural and acutely sensitive to our every move, and yet we treat it as if it will magically happen. Success with networking takes some work, both before and after the networking event you attend.

In Chapter 8 of my book, The Uncanny Power of the Networking Pencil, you may have seen these words, “A networking event is an opportunity for greatness. It’s your own choice to be great—or not!” Those words capture the dream we have for our networking & they capture the terror we face. It doesn’t have to be terrifying, but for many it is.

We gather as people to bring each other up in the world, to find purpose, to ‘find out’ what’s going on, and to see where that next customer may be coming from. I want to caution you to keep your networking a deeply rewarding activity. That will take a bit of work and attitude on your part. Fortunately, there are those of us who have gone before and are trying to blaze the trail for you to come along. You are on a journey right along with us and we are all glad we are networking.
You see, networking doesn’t have to be scary, nor does it need to cause us to sweat—we just need a bit of mentoring in how to find our purpose with it.

This blog, “Bob’s Pencil Point’s” is designed to help with the journey you’re on. I have sharpened my pencil and will be putting it to the paper with diligence and purpose. I don’t charge for the info contained within, yet there will be many topics you may want to dig a bit deeper in, so I will set up special times for us to get together and explore the topics in greater depth. I am calling you to join with me in this endeavor and let’s explore networking together. Take heart—the journey will be long, but our cause is one that can reap great rewards—both personally and professionally. There’s much more to learn about how to be successful at networking than meets the eye.

Keep your eyes open to the possibilities and watch for this blog on a more regular basis as I intend to be more diligent in its publishing. I also hope you will engage with it on my website and help us all to grow by your engagement and experiences.

EVENT ON THE HORIZON: Keep an eye out for the next round of my Networking Extravaganza’s. I’m preparing one in Medina and Canton, Ohio for the Spring of 2018. Also, preparing for one’s in Akron & Strongsville, Ohio for the the year 2018. There are still some ‘Hosting’ spots open–if you’re interested or would like to know what it means to host, please email me here and I will get you the information.

Hope to see you soon.

ONward, Bob Arnold

—————————————-As an author, networker, and architect, Bob simply believes in and has seen networking make phenomenal changes in people’s lives and businesses. Check out Bob’s story.

ABOUT BOB’S PENCIL POINTS

Bob’s Pencil Points blog is where you will find all things networking–discussions, ideas, news items, events, and other pertinent networking info.

If you’re not a member of “Bob’s Pencil Points” blog, click here to join. Periodic glimpses into the deeper world of networking. One new connection for you is worth more than you can imagine.

When you are seen by someone else, really seen, it hurts even more if you’re
ultimately rejected. When we connect, we make promises, buy into a
different future, engage with another, someone who might let us
down (or we might let them down).

Far easier, of course, to do something more shallow.

A friend on social media is not like a friend in real life.

And so, we sit at dinner, browsing on our phone instead of connecting with
the person across from us. Because the phone promises instant gratification,
an exciting dopamine hit, and plenty of faux intimacy.

Which is great as far as it goes, but no, it’s not the same.

I’ve seen what he’s talking about here–we opt for shallow instead of really ‘seeing’ someone else. I talk about this in my The Uncanny Power of the Networking Pencilbook. Part of the reason we don’t want to really ‘see’ someone is the rejection issue Seth mentions above, however I believe a greater tension is that we are so focused on ourselves that we have a hard time ‘seeing’ others as human beings–it’s out of our comfort zone.

I’ve recently seen surveys that are showing that we, as people, are becoming more isolated from each other then ever before & it’s attributed to our ‘screen time’–that time we spend engaged with our screens instead of with each other.

Relationships (connections) can hurt; but we need them as humans. We crave the intimacy we can have with another human and search it out–albeit, sometimes in inappropriate ways.

Love hurts! (you now have that song floating through your head for the rest of the day) But, having true connections; connections that care about ‘you’ are so worth it.

Don’t misinterpret here–I’m not saying that every connection you make will become an intimate type of connection, but just think of how many of your connections you are holding at arms length because you don’t want to be hurt or are so focused on ‘you’ that you don’t even ‘see’ them for who they are. Those connections we make online are much easier to disengage or ignore when we want to. When we are in a face-to-face situation and make a new connection, and you feel a bond with the person, what do you do with it? Ignore it or develop it? If you’re not at the networking event to find true networking partners, then who are you looking for?

NEWS ITEM: Fake intimacy is everywhere–bonds are much harder to break!

Don’t lose out on a possible great connection when you feel a bond with them–it’s the environment where real intimacy lies. Next time, when you feel that bond, ask the person to have a cup of coffee sometime (Success hint: set it up on the spot or you won’t) and explore how they may become a true ‘results-oriented networking partner’ with you. Notice I didn’t say ‘for you’ in the last sentence; it’s ‘with you’ because it’s a two-way street and some you feel a bond with, you will desire to help.

Don’t make yourself hard to meet by ignoring what you’re hearing from the other person. If you listen to them, you very well may be on the crux of making a new friend who will help you in many ways.

BONUS TIP:Make sure you’re on top of the three devastating mistakes most networkers make while networking. If not reigned in, they can totally ruin a relationship before it can develop. Email me and I’ll send you my paper on the topic.

EVENT ON THE HORIZON: Keep an eye out for the next round of my Networking Extravaganza’s. I’m preparing one in Medina and Canton, Ohio for the fall of 2017. Also, preparing for one’s in Akron & Strongsville, Ohio for the beginning of the year 2018. There are still some ‘Hosting’ spots open–if you’re interested or would like to know what it means to host, please email me here and I will get you the information.

Hope to see you soon.

ONward, Bob Arnold

If you’re not a member of “Bob’s Pencil Points” blog, click here to join. Periodic glimpses into the deeper world of networking. One new connection for you is worth more than you can imagine.

“Why aren’t you working on big Concert Halls?” I was asked by an architectural client of mine one day as he watched me work on a model of an innovative new building concept I was developing for his company. He went on: “As I watch you develop this building, I can’t help but get visions of you designing ‘great performance halls’ where people would enjoy themselves and be changed by what is carried out on stage. Your vision and intuition in these things is wasted on this industrial building—there’s so much more to you than this. I know, because I’ve listened to your explanation of how this building will enhance my business and I’ve watched you as you work.”

He was serious. I was flabbergasted!

Many thoughts about it have crossed my mind over the last few years as I’ve continued with my architectural practice & as I’ve developed into a networking mentor. But, something struck me yesterday as this topic came up in a conversation I was having with my financial advisors. One of them said as we talked, “So Bob, you want to produce change in the world—have a lasting effect.” , he said. To which I replied, “Yes.” However, as it has worked in my head since yesterday, I’ve realized that’s not the real, or complete, intent.

I’ve realized: My concert hall is you, the individual, the inventor, the innovator, the one who cares about others. You cross many disciplines, many industries, many environments, and many networks, but you all have one thing in common–You All Have a Voice!

Your life is the performance I like to see shine; your life is where performance is carried out. It’s not always pretty, but its life.

Your environment is your concert hall. My function and desire is to shape and fashion your concert hall into an environment that makes it easy and natural for you to shine. This environment can be a building or a mindset you develop--it’s what you operate in that matters.

Those are not just words—they are a declaration! My ‘Voice’ (destiny) is to help you see the beauty and challenges of your environment so we can develop that environment into a concert hall that supports your mission. This happens in your networking and in your physical work environment (facility).

For one person, it has brought out Joy that’s going to have an effect on many people. That’s cool! (Hint: click the word ‘Joy’ for the story)

BONUS TIP:Ever noticed how a ‘hot’ day affects your mood? Your environment for networking works in the same way. There are way too many networking environment that are toxic to your growth. We all need to know and have our environments shaped so that we can shine–then growth happens. Don’t leave it up to chance like so many people do!

Let’s take a look at ‘your voice’ together and start your transformation. I’ll be introducing a workshop program titled ‘Your Networking Voice’ in the Spring of 2018 at my next Networking Extravaganza, so let me know HERE if you would like to receive information about it. This is going to be dynamic in people’s lives! Get introduced to the essence of networking’s voice in my book:

The Uncanny Power of the Networking Pencil

The Natural, No-Anxiety Way to Spot Results-Oriented Networking Partners–Fast!

I look forward to working with you, especially if you dare to shine!

ONward, Bob Arnold

If you’re not a member of “Bob’s Pencil Points” blog, click here to join. Periodic glimpses into the deeper world of networking. One new connection for you is worth more than you can imagine.

…where we ‘value’ people, enjoy finding new contacts, and ‘want to learn’ more about making our networking effective.

There’s nothing in the Networking World that’s worse than ‘Spin’–those times when you feel trapped in your networking, you feel frazzled running from one event to another, and you feel depressed because you aren’t finding any new contacts. In my new book “The Uncanny Power of the Networking Pencil” I’ve made it plain that it’s up to you to make a visit to a networking event a productive venture for you. Now understand though, while the responsibility is upon you, there are many networking events you attend that are not designed to set the stage for your success.

That’s why I’ve taken your criticism of event hopping seriously and designed an event that is set up for your success. First off the people in the room will only be there because they place ‘value’ on you as a person. Second, those in the room are interested in finding new contacts who can become ‘Networking Partners’ with you of the highest order. And, third, everyone present is interested in ‘learning’ a little about how they can become a more effective networker, so they want to hear some clarity about some sticky networking issue–at this event it will be about “How to Increase Your Success Rate Directly from Your Current Network!”

I’m out here in beautiful Allardale Park in the Medina County Park District and I need to tell you about something people keep mentioning to me.

There’s something you feel, many, many times as you’re going to networking events: before you know it you feel like you’re just going in circles—you’re going to this event, and that event at that place, and that place, and that place. Before you know it you’re just going around, and around, and around, and running from one place to another, feeling all shook up about where you should be.

Even though, like in this view, there are endless horizons in front of you when you attend a networking event.

It’s ‘True’ that there are!

But, I’ve got to tell you that too many of us find problems with our networking—we find it is not effective for us.

In my book, The Uncanny Power of the Networking Pencil, in chapter 8 (Networking Events—The Pencil at Work) the Napkin Note reads: The Networking Event is an opportunity for greatness! It’s your choice to be Great—or Not!

Too many of us just feel like we are spinning our wheels at networking events.

So, what I’ve done is design a networking event that will take place on April 26th. It will be in Brunswick, Ohio from 4:30 – 6:00 pm.

We will have a variety of things there that foster networking interaction:

there will be a teaching piece where I will explain about ‘How we can turn our contact lists into effective lists for us,’

We will also have a little bit of fun. There will be a ‘Virtual-Reality’ set up by Scene 75 who will show us some action from a virtual reality angle. (They are opening a new location in Brunswick soon.)

Too many times we wish we could just put on a pair of goggles and walk through an event feeling secure and effective. But, that’s not the real world—even though it might feel like it.

We need to work forward; we need to have networking that works!

It’s only $15 to attend and there will be some snacks and food there for you. Sign up link is HERE

You will get to meet some great people in the room who will want to network with you.

I’ll also tell you a little bit about what’s going on with my Networking Extravaganza which is in progress and, by time of this event, two of the three sessions will have been completed.

BONUS TIP: When you attend a networking event–DON’T try to meet EVERYONE in the room; make it your goal to meet 5 people that you get to know a little about. Look for Networking Partners–Not business cards.

Hope to see you there.

ONward, Bob Arnold

If you’re not a member of “Bob’s Pencil Points” blog, click here to join. Periodic glimpses into the deeper world of networking. One new connection for you is worth more than you can imagine.

His book “The Uncanny Power of the Networking Pencil” is available HERE.

—————————————-As an author, networker, and architect, Bob simply believes in and has seen networking make phenomenal changes in people’s lives and businesses. Check out Bob’s story.

Every year I wonder what it is that makes Spring so magical. I think it’s the smell that floats through the air–even though the flowers haven’t started blooming yet. Okay, for you hard-liners, I know there are a few that have bloomed, but not the heavy on-slot that is yet to come. It seems the animals start moving around a little easier and the baby birds start filling the air with their harmony (you probably call it chirping, but to me it’s a harmony).

But, there’s something else too–the fact that we can start freely networking with people again without all the winter garb on that inhibits us from being ourselves as we shiver in the cold. I love to see the trees and the landscape fill in, just like I love to see a networkers influence grow through their network.

So, listen up to this little video I prepared for you:

_____________________________________________________________

(Transcript of video)

Hi Everyone;

This is Bob Arnold and I’m out in the middle of the woods again!

It’s time to get back to doing the videos. Last one was in November and so I’m back to being in the woods. It’s time! Winter is over! This is actually April 9th and I’m out on a trail in the Hinckley Reservation in Ohio. You probably can see some branches and trees down behind me in the distance from the recent winds we had in the area.

Believe it or not—just two days ago we had 4 inches of snow come down overnight. Almost shut school down on Friday, but some of them persevered and stayed open.

I want to let you know that I’m starting off spring with an event—It’s the Networking Extravaganza. I’m starting the first meeting of three this Wednesday (April 12th) at the Medina Community Recreation Center. Sign-in is at 9:30 am with the main program staring at 10:30 am (there will be a mini-start at 10:00 am for those of you who are there) and it goes till 3:30 in the afternoon.

The reason I’m doing this is there are a lot of people who tell me that they are having a lot of difficulty on how to actually make their contact lists work for them. So, we will be working on that.

In fact, I’m guaranteeing that you will have 3 new effective contacts by the time you finish out the full three session series. Each session is 2 weeks apart with different things going on at each one, but you can find out what that is by going to www.onwardnetworking.com/events (or HERE). You’ll see a letter and sign-up form there along with the program & cost of attending.

I hope to see you there. Let me know if you’d like to attend at this email address. Just send the form in and we will get you signed up for it.

ONE Other Thing! By signing up and coming, you will get a free copy of my new book “The Uncanny Power of the Networking Pencil” (you can see it here) + you will get the resource materials that you’ll need to ‘build a model’ of your contact list. YES! A model that you will be able to look at, be able to take home with you to see what is going on in the list; who should be in the list; and, who shouldn’t be in your contact list.

I’m looking forward to seeing you again soon and getting to more videos out here in the woods.

ONward, Bob

_____________________________________________________________

So, if networking is in your blood and you want to be more effective in how you meet, and find, people who are more effective in your contact group (influence group), then come on and join us for some real learning that will put your contact list in the ‘effective’ pile on your desk.

If you can’t commit to all three meetings up front, there is a per-meeting option on the sign-up sheet–take advantage of it and at least be at the first one so you can make some progress.

NOTE: The Networking Extravaganza will be the topic of your conversations for awhile after you complete them, because you will find that an effective contact list is like upping your marketing budget by 100% without spending a dime.

BONUS TIP: Influence is the number one characteristic of those who make a splash in the world–even in our community, that’s true.

Hope to see you there.

ONward, Bob Arnold

If you’re not a member of “Bob’s Pencil Points” blog, click here to join. Periodic glimpses into the deeper world of networking. One new connection for you is worth more than you can imagine.

His book “The Uncanny Power of the Networking Pencil” is available HERE.

—————————————-As an author, networker, and architect, Bob simply believes in and has seen networking make phenomenal changes in people’s lives and businesses. Check out Bob’s story.